Another at Bat

by Lyssa Layne

Pitcher Jace Richards had it all. Fame, status, money, and the perfect girl but it wasn't enough. Unable to curb his gambling addiction, he lost everything. Now banned from the MLB, he's struggling to get his feet back on the ground.

Laurel Darbis is the mom to ten-year-old Grey. Her son is her world and she'd do anything for him, including putting up with her cheating ex-husband, Adam. He doesn't make things easy on her but with her friends and family by her side, she has a strong support system to help her deal with his petty drama.

Grey is about to start baseball with his friends but their coach backs out at the last minute. All of the parents are thrilled when the new coach arrives, everyone except Laurel.

Can the former bad boy tame his ways for the sake of his players? Will the protective mother let down her guard? Either way, no one will ever expect what happens when the two match up.

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Lyssa Layne is first, and foremost, the proud momma to her precious daughter, AR. In addition to working full-time and being a mommy to AR, she is also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a runner, blogger, and an infertility survivor.

Having watched one too many medical dramas and being inspired by author Rachelle Ayala, who introduced her to the world of indie writing, Lyssa decided to try her hand at writing a romance story. Her attempt turned into the Burning Lovesick series. You can find Lyssa’s own interests throughout her stories although all stories are fictional.

You can visit Lyssa’s writing blog at http://www.authorlyssalayne.blogspot.com You can also follow her on Twitter @layne_lyssa or check out her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/lyssalayne

Feel free to contact her regarding blog reviews, giveaways, or blog book tours authorlyssalayne@gmail.com Happy reading!

Reviews

[Janett The Pleasure of Reading Today · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to be honest with you, when I met Jace Richards in The Right Pitch I didn't like him, he was cocky, he thought he was entitled to everything(including the love of his high school crush,)he was just not a nice person. But life has a way to show us the way, and sometimes you have to touch rock bottom in order to find that way and become the person you were meant to be, the person you deserve to be.

Jace's road to redemption is not an easy one. He's not allowed to play professional baseball anymore, he finds himself working a job that he hates and coaching little league. This is how he meets Laurel Darbis, her son Grey and his best friend Sam. And without even realizing it, is there where Jace embarks on a journey of acceptance of his past mistakes, forgiving himself, and comprehending that he is worthy of love.

This is a story to be savored slowly because of the many layers Lyssa created. Her characters in this book have soul, they allow us the readers, into their lives and we become part of them and vice versa.

Laurel is a beautiful, strong female lead who is trying to survive a crappy ex-husband while being the best mom she can be, but above all that, she has this vulnerability and tenderness that will make you fall in love with her. Jace is troubled not only by his recent mistakes but by his past, he's definitely a handsome man, but he's rough around the edges and has no filter at times. He finds himself alone, and it breaks ones heart to see such a strong guy feeling that way, but little by little he realizes that he's also a good man and that his past doesn't have to define his future.

I loved that Lyssa took her time and build the relationship between Jace and Lauren, their initial attraction and the way it grows into a relationship is full of respect and maturity, the way it should be between two adults. I adored Grey and Sam and their relationship throughout the book (Sam has a background story that will undoubtedly break your heart.)

Lyssa is one of those authors that I found by chance, I read her first book and I was hooked. She's the kind of author that gives her readers well crafted storylines with interesting characters and Another at Bat is a prime example of those things.

This is a story about redemption and second chances, a beautiful tale about finding love, protecting what's yours, and never judging a book by its cover.

This book can be read as a standalone but I recommend to read The Right Pitch first so you get a little more history on Jace.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me be clear - I hate Jace Richards after what he did to Colie in The Right Pitch. How could he treat her so poorly? Does he have a chance at redeeming himself and can I overlook everything he has done and give him another chance?

So when we left Jace Richards he was kicked out of the MLB for throwing games and gambling and completely breaking Colie's heart. Now as part of his community service he has gone to Florida to coach a baseball team and work in a hardware store. A far cry from where he was.

Laurel Darbis's 10 year old son Grey is playing on this baseball team and Laurel wants nothing to do with the playboy coach who threw his life away and doesn't think he should be allowed anywhere near any of the kids. Yet Laurel has her hands full with her ex-husband Adam and all of his antics.

Somehow Laurel decides to give Jace a chance and sees that he really is trying to change yet will both of their past mistakes cost them a future together?

I love, love, love this book. I can't say enough without giving away so much but redemption is sweet. The attraction between the two is so intense and hot and I can't believe how much of a gentleman Jace can be. Wow!! This book really shows how someone truly deserves "another at bat".

[K.S. Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be the first to admit that I was NOT a fan of Jace Richards when I first met him in The Right Pitch, but I NEVER miss a Lyssa Layne release, so even though I was skeptical there was no way I was going to skip reading Another At Bat. And I'm so glad I didn't!

Jace not only redeems himself in this story of love, loss and second chances, but he grows into the kind of hero every romance lover is sure to fall for. He's strong, kind and protective of those he loves all the while never losing his sexy bad boy edge.

Laurel is the kind of character far too many of us can just sink into and relate to on a deeply personal level. She's a single mom who learned the hard way that not every man can be trusted with her heart, let alone her son's heart, and she's not about to repeat the mistakes of her past. Least of all with Jace Richards...no matter how panty-melting hot he may be.

Bottom line...if Laurel Darbis can let down her guard and take a chance on this reformed bad boy, you should too!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another at Bat was my first introduction to the books of Ms Layne but I've already 1-clicked a couple to my kindle and added a few more to my wish list - I really enjoyed her story, characters an writing style!

Although I didn't know anything about Jace Richards when I started reading, as I hadn't read 'The Right Pitch', I got the idea pretty early on that he had been a real lad and had some issues to deal with - but even so, I adored him pretty much from the start.
Having messed up big time - including badly hurting someone he claimed to love - he'd been kicked out of MLB and found himself down in Florida coaching a boys team.... not where he thought life would take him it kinda sucked to be him, right?? ... except his initial thoughts were knocked on their head when he met Laurel, the mum of one of his young players.

Laurel - I loved her from the get go. She was straight-talking, strong, determined, independent, feisty - and oh yeah, she was hot. She didn't let Jace pull any crap - with her, the team or himself, she took him as he was (well ok, that wasn't quite her attitude to begin with but Mr Richards drew her in by letting her see the real Jacen and she began to see him differently)
Our girl had a fair bit of baggage following her divorce and was still having to deal with her ex-husband - boy was he a piece of work, I really couldn't stand Adam and wished him gone often!!

Everyone (well, almost everyone!) deserves a second chance and Jace turned out to be a really good guy - hell, he was a sweetheart (a smokin' hot one at that!!) - who does his damnedest to straighten his life out, turn things around and get his girl.
His interactions with Grey and Sam are fabulous - you could tell it was because he genuinely liked the kids and not just because he was trying to get into HotShots pants!! ;)

The build up of the relationship between the couple was perfect - both had issues that they had to deal with and overcome and I liked that they didn't rush into things, they took their time and it all felt right and very natural. Lyssa, in my humble opinion, got that spot on!

Another at Bat was a fantastic read - it was sweet, funny, emotional and at times I thought my heart might stop!! Great supporting characters added to the story - the boys especially.

I give AaB 5* and have to say that it's one of my fave reads of this year!

I received an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review

[Dawn DiDominzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan – F’in – Tastic!
I was privileged to receive an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Step aside book boyfriends, and make room for, Jacen “Jace” Richards, because he is sliding into home plate to snag the number one spot on my “Leaderboard." One of Lyssa Layne’s other novels, ‘The Right Pitch’ is where Jace was first introduced, so I highly recommend you read that, as it makes a great companion novel to this one. Although the author did such a fantastic job of giving the reader enough backstory to keep you in the know. Therefore, this could be classified as a standalone, for sure.

So, what can I say about Jace Richards? He has such a contradictory personality that attracts me to him like teens to an Apple store. ;) Let me give you my description of him. He is rough around the edges, crude, unpolished, if you will, yet, kind, dare I say, sweet, dependable, charming, fiercely protective, and scrumpdillyicious! ( Spelling?? I think that’s a Wonka Bar, but it came to mind)

Laurel Darbis is is beautiful, sassy, feisty, strong, loving, loyal, and an amazing “mama bear.” Basically, she possesses all the qualities you look for in a leading female character.

Another At Bat has become my numero UNO Lyssa Layne novel, to date! It’s like she threw all caution to the wind, let her hair down, kicked back while sipping on mimosas, all while writing this Fan- F’in –Tastic novel! She tells the story through dual points of view, which happens to be my preference. I love knowing what each character is thinking while eliminating some of the guesswork.

The author showcases her writing talent by allowing the story to slowly burn, all the while building anticipation of what’s to come. Her attention to every detail, along with the sprinkling of humor, angst, heartache, and surprise throughout, explains why I devoured this book in one sitting.

This story is about realizing, and hanging onto, friendship love, family love, and romantic love. Even the side characters are memorable, with the kids usually stealing the show. The unusual family unit that was built is inspirational and touching. The Epilogue has to be my favorite, and to me, it was the buttercream frosting on the already yummilicious cake.

I give, Another At Bat, 5 HOTSHOT stars!

[Ramona Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another at Bat is Lyssa Layne's continuation of her series of sports romance novels. Obviously it centers around baseball, a sport this author seems to love and writes about very well. While this can be read as a standalone, it's timed a few years after her other novels, The Right Pitch (where the main character Jace is a supporting one), Fear of Striking Out, and Loved by the Linebacker, in that order. Not an excuse to delay the reading of this book, but what a great excuse to complete the collection!

Jace had completely fallen from his lofty height as a star pitcher. At rock bottom, he asked for help from one of the few people that would still acknowledge him - his former agent Camila Lemos. He's soon situated in a house, gainfully employed in a job not entirely to his liking, and coaching a Little League team. Not quite what he's been used to, but he'll take it.

Laurel's world is not all right, with her ex-husband threatening to blow up the little corner she's carved out for herself and their son Grey. Baseball is Grey's, and his best friend Sam's, reason for living so of course his mom is very highly involved in it, too. Everything goes askew again when their usual coach leaves and in his place stands a very hot, highly annoying, former Major League pitcher named Jace.

Needless to say, sparks fly and a torrid friendship ensues between them. Laurel is held back, though, by the trouble her husband is causing and Jace can't come to terms with him being a good enough partner to her and father figure to Grey and Sam.

It's a more serious tone here than in Lyssa Layne's other books, but I like how Jace redeems himself and saves the day and his newly adopted family in the process. All of the trouble he goes through is worth his relationship with Laurel, and for me, well worth that memorable ending! Yes, this novel has a happy-ever-after with an epilogue unlike any other I have ever read.

Another at Bat shows how even the most horrible person can be given another chance. They've usually got a reason for behaving how they do, and understanding that makes you root for them as well. Lyssa Layne has proven, yet again, that even a bad boy can have a heart of gold.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace Richards had everything a man could dream of a successful career, money, women. But all of that comes with a price because sometimes you can get caught up in all the fame and glory which is what happened to Jace. He was betting against his own team in Major League Baseball. Now Jace barely has two nickels to rub together. His agent has setup for him to start over with a little league team and a house to stay in, and a new job at a hardware shop. Jace can no longer live his dream of playing in baseball again. Starting over is not what he wants to do but knows he has to if he has any chance of getting back into Major League Baseball as slim as the chances maybe. Coaching a little league team is not something he has every done but when he starts coaching and realizes that two of the boys are really good, he finds himself wanting nothing more than to help them. One of the boys mother always seems to put him in his place as a coach, which really seems to get on his nerves considering nobody has ever stood up to him. The more he finds out about Laurel Darbis the more he wants to know.
Laurel is a divorced mother that will do anything for her son, including standing up to Jace Richards. What she did not expect was to fall for him. Being a single mother has it's hardship especially when her son's dad wants really nothing to do with them and thinks baseball is a waste of time. Laurel's ex-husband is getting married with the secretary he cheated on and wants to move to New York with Grey. He doesn't really want to take Grey because he doesn't have time for him but knows this will destroy Laurel.
This is a story of love, betrayal, losing people we love and how we can overcome them. This is a stand alone but we do meet Jace in Lyssa's other book The Right Pitch. I recommend this book and looked forward to reading more of Lyssa's work.

[Jennifer Shiels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great book. I read and enjoyed The Right Pitch which had Jace, Grant, and Colie. So I was thrilled to get to see that there was more to Jace then how he appeared in the other book. Jace Richards had it all - he had skill and made it into the MLB, he was famous, had lots of money, and even found the girl that he loved back in college. But he was stuck in a bad situation and lost it all. He now has a job at Hardware store and he's coaching little league to 10 year old boys. Laurel is raising her 10 year old boy and also helping raise his friend Sam whose mother is dying of cancer. She's a single mom with a sleazy ex-husband who cheated on her and does everything he can to make her pay.

Jace is a good guy who was stuck in a bad situation and felt trapped. He hated who he became and he hates that he hurt Colie because he did really love her. He just knows that Grant was a better man than he was and she's better where she was. He's trying to find his footing again
and become a better man. He starts coaching the little league team and he finds that he really cares about these kids and helping them succeed. With Laurel, Grey, and Sam, he gets to experience how a real family is. He sees what really matters and gets to experience it.

Laurel got pregnant when she was 17 years old and she married the father of the child. Adam, her ex-husband, blames her and their son for ruining his life so even though they split up he still wants her to pay for everything. He's a horrible father but Laurel is a wonderful and amazing mother. Also, she is helping take care of her friend and former teacher's son since she is dying and he's really close with her son Grey. At first she doesn't have any interest in Jace but then she gets to know him and she realizes how wonderful he is.

Definitely worth reading.

[The Book Fairy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances, a chance at a life filled with love and so much more than you ever thought you would have given the choices you made. Another At Bat. That's what this is for Jace Richards. You know that crazy sexy fau hawk hottie from The Right Pitch. The guy that you hated but secretly loved cuz he was so bad. So this is his story, boy and what a sexy and passionate story it is.
I mean he has to start from scratch and then gives love another try with the feisty Laur, or Hot Shot as Jace so lovingly calls the mother of one of his little league kids. Yeah ladies you read right... a mom!!! With the Hottie that is Jace!!!! makes me wish that my son were young enough to play ball and that Jace was real annnnd that I was Laur.
Okay ow trying to build himself back up is hard when you have been convicted of the things you have actually done. Over coming guilt is a hard thing when you view yourself as hateful as everyone in the world does you. SO you see it it isn't so much that he has to overcome the stigma that the public view of him but to forgive himself. He finds the path he should have been on all along teaching young boys to be the best they can be, seeing the way his actions and words help mold them and latch themselves on to his soul. Laur, Grey and Sam, they show him his true self, a man that got lost along the way and found that what he needed most was a family to love.
Jace redeems himself so much to become a hero in this amazing story. A hero to young boys and the woman he loves and so many more. He grows so much in this book that you, Like me will want to live in this world where Jace Richards is your hero. I am not Kidding Alyssa I really wish that I could be Laur in this book and that Jace Falls head over heels for me!!!!!

[Amy Crull · Rating 5 out of 5]

~I was given this for an honest review~

I gave this book 4.5 stars. There wasn't anything wrong with it except for maybe ahole ex husband but I think he needed to be like that for the story. Anyway, I so enjoyed this story especially the storyline with the kids, Jace didn't have to step up and help with the kids but he did. He went over what was expected of him. He was only supposed to be their coach but he was able to be more...a dad and a role model for them. Don't get me wrong, he has his fair share of issues, which of course is why he's starting at the bottom working his way up again. He knows it won't be easy but he's willing to put the past behind him. He's also finds out that he basically used as a pawn. He determined to get the truth out. Meeting Laurel and kids force him to be better. He wants to prove to them and himself that he can make it. Laurel on the other hand, has her hands full. She is battling a ahole of an ex, plus with the help of her best friend is raising another kid. Things get bad and Laurel has to step up the plate and prove she wants these boys. Her ex plays every game he can but Laurel is stronger. With everyone's help they come out stronger than before. Jace and Laurel are remarkable together. They balance each other out very well and love each other so much. I love a good sports story and this one doesn't disappoint at all. I truly love this book!! It was so sweet

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

~I was given this for an honest review~

I gave this book 4.5 stars. There wasn't anything wrong with it except for maybe jerk ex husband but I think he needed to be like that for the story. Anyway, I so enjoyed this story especially the storyline with the kids, Jace didn't have to step up and help with the kids but he did. He went over what was expected of him. He was only supposed to be their coach but he was able to be more...a dad and a role model for them. Don't get me wrong, he has his fair share of issues, which of course is why he's starting at the bottom working his way up again. He knows it won't be easy but he's willing to put the past behind him. He's also finds out that he basically used as a pawn. He determined to get the truth out. Meeting Laurel and kids force him to be better. He wants to prove to them and himself that he can make it. Laurel on the other hand, has her hands full. She is battling a jerk of an ex, plus with the help of her best friend is raising another kid. Things get bad and Laurel has to step up the plate and prove she wants these boys. Her ex plays every game he can but Laurel is stronger. With everyone's help they come out stronger than before. Jace and Laurel are remarkable together. They balance each other out very well and love each other so much. I love a good sports story and this one doesn't disappoint at all. I truly love this book!! It was so sweet

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Home Run!

Another At Bat is another hit out of the park! Jace is completely redeemed in this book. He is not only a gentleman, a role model, and fiercely protective of Laurel, Grey & Sam but he has become humble and also finds forgiveness that he didn't know would complete him. I loved how he never gave up on Laurel and was her rock throughout all their obstacles. They're attraction and encounters were so hot when they finally gave in!

Grey & Sam completely melted my heart. Their brotherly love was absolutely heartwarming. I loved them more as they became teenagers and would love to see spin-offs for each of them.

Adam got what he deserved and almost felt a little sorry for him but not for long. Ashley was perfect in being a best friend and neighbor. I know that bond of having a childhood friend that you're almost sisters and that's what Ashley & Laurel were...sisters.

If you have children in little league or love baseball Another At Bat will have you smiling throughout.

Typical of Lyssa Layne's books once you start Another At Bat you will not put it down until you read the last page.

[Monique Tinline · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****5 stars*****

Seriously Lyssa Layne keeps delivering these amazing books that has me so hooked I don't want them to end.

Jacen is back, after first meeting him in The Right Pitch where he was arrogant and an ass, Another At Bat gives us a Whole new side to him and what a sweet heart he is.

laurel is a single mum and life is about to get a whole lot harder for her. But Jacen stands by her side through it all and the love this man has for her is beautiful.

Lyssa has done an amazing job, redeeming Jacen from his arrogant ways.

I was sceptical going in as I wasn't a fan of him in the previous book, but this ha totally changed my perception and gives light into what happened.

I am diving in for more books by Lyssa, she has delivered outstanding reads to date

REVIEWED FOR HASHTAGMINXES

[Maria Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for a honest review. This is my first Lyssa Layne read but definitely not my last! I loved her writing style. She sucked me in. I knew from comments made that Jace was a hated guy and many readers thought he could not be redeemed. I am going back to read her other books but I must say only a truly talented writer can redeem a character once the reader feels such emotion toward them. I was captivated by the story and the relationship between Jace and Laurel but also his relationship with Grey and Sam. I love the turmoil throughout the big, will they or won't they end up together? Can Laurel keep her family together or will she lose Grey to Adam?

[D.L. Gallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to to beta read Another at Bat for Lyssa and I was 100000000000000% sure that I wouldn't like it cause to be honest I thought Jace was a douche canoe but she managed to sway my opinion of him and it all came down to her amazing telling of his story.
While I love Colie, Laurel is definitely the girl for Jace. She's sassy, yet loveable; tough but fair; and she knows how to put Jace in his place when he's acting like a douche
Laurels beasties is Ashley and if Ashley was real, her and I would definitely be friends.
Lyssa is fast becoming one of my go to authors

[Marie Mckenney]

Love this book.

Jace was crazy in the end of the Right Pitch. I was wondering how this book was going to go. I am glad that he met Laurel, even though she was tough on him at first. Laurel son and his friend Sam are so cute. Laurel's friend Ashley is a hoot. She keeps pushing Laurel to be nice to Jace. It is a struggle with lots of emotions throughout the book. Tissues are needed at a point. Laurel, Jace, Grey and Sam are awesome. Love the ending. Another awesome book by Lyssa.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another At Bat is yet another great read from Lyssa Layne!

Jace has a past and was sent to thus town to do service as a little league coach and work at the local hardware store to get himself back on the good list. He is thrusted into small town drama but starts to realize he has a thing for Laurel. Through her son Greyson, Jace realizes that its ok to move on, to love and to be a part of a family.

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace had it all. But with bad gambling habits he gets banned from MLB and loses everything.

Laurel has a 10 year old son. Whom she loves very much. He signs up for baseball but suddenly the coach doesn't show. So when the new coach shows up and Laurel figures out who it is. She isn't thrilled. She hopes he has changed his ways. Will she let her guard down long enough to get to know him?

I received this book for my honest review

[Davette Bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author

A new author for me to read. Picked the book because I liked the cover. Started reading and didn't stop until I was done.

Bravo! I'll read another from her.

[Sharon M Nesbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good book

Lyssa Layne does it again, I think this might be her best book in the series. There is a second chance for love, life and happiness. There is headache, innocents, slow burning love, passion and true love that will hold through all the trials. Thanks for the great read.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

I love a story that redeems the bad boy, and Jace Richards got his redemption. I absolutely loved the main characters, secondary characters, story, everything!